Labour, Business, Faith and Community Group Statement in Support of Syrian Refugees

The Syrian refugee crisis has left more than four million people desperately seeking safety. It is a humanitarian crisis of monumental proportions, one which Canada has a responsibility to act on as quickly as possible.

We are representatives of Canadian unions, businesses, community and faith groups, united to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada and committed to playing a role in supporting their resettlement.

Together our organizations are sharing information nationally to best meet the areas of greatest need. We have also made it a priority to coordinate our local chapters and members to work together to support refugees at the community level.

We believe our country can support 25,000 people in need to build new lives, free of conflict. It’s the right thing to do, and the least we can do as a country.

Canada is a compassionate, caring nation with a long tradition of embracing diversity and showing humanitarian leadership. We must continue this tradition and demonstrate these values and principles in our approach to this crisis.

We are also excited about the possibilities for integrating refugees into our local economies. Canada has a history of welcoming refugees who have contributed to our economy, started businesses and created new jobs.

We recognize the importance of addressing the real short-term and ongoing needs of refugees as they settle and begin their lives as new Canadians. By working together – business, unions, faith and community groups – we can meet the incredible need that exists.

We are:

Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Alnadvi, Chairman, Canadian Council of ImamsBruce Anderson, Chairman of Abacus Data, and political columnistThe Honourable Ron Atkey, Chair of Humanity Wins and former Minister of Employment and ImmigrationThe Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of CommerceStephen Bedard, Chair of the Federally Regulated Employers – Transportation and CommunicationsRight Reverend Jordan Cantwell, United Church of CanadaBernie M. Farber, Executive Director of the Mosaic Institute (past CEO Canadian Jewish Congress)Joe Gunn, Executive Director of Citizens for Public JusticeThe Honourable John Manley, President and CEO of the Canadian Council of Chief ExecutivesJayson Myers, President and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & ExportersDr. Jacline Nyman, President and CEO of the United Way Centraide CanadaLoly Rico, President, Canadian Council for RefugeesCalin Rovinescu, President and CEO of Air CanadaMaureen Silcoff, Chair of the Jewish Refugee Action NetworkHassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour CongressRobyn Benson, National President of the Public Service Alliance of CanadaJames Clancy, National President of the National Union of Public and General EmployeesJerry Dias, National President of UniforSam Hammond, President of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of OntarioMark Hancock, National President of the Canadian Union of Public EmployeesJoe Mancinelli, International Vice-President of the Laborers' International Union of North AmericaPaul Meinema, National President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International UnionKen Neumann, National Director of the United SteelworkersDavid Ritchie, General Vice-President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace WorkersLinda Silas, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions